Understanding travel SIM card expiry is crucial for maintaining connectivity during your international trips. Travel SIMs operate differently from regular monthly plans, with specific expiry conditions that can leave you without service unexpectedly. Whether you are using a traditional physical SIM or a modern eSIM, knowing when and why your service ends helps you stay connected throughout your journey.
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Travel SIM card expiry happens when your temporary phone service stops working and you can no longer make calls, send texts, or use mobile internet. Unlike your regular monthly phone plan that renews automatically, travel SIMs have set end dates or data limits that permanently shut off the service once reached.
Travel SIM cards typically last from 1 day to 90 days, with most lasting between 15 to 30 days.
In fact, how long your SIM actually lasts depends on how you use it. Some travel SIMs stop working when you use up all your data, even if time is left. Others keep working for the full time period, even after you run out of data.
When your travel SIM expires, you will immediately lose all phone services. Your phone shows “No Service” messages, and any leftover data or calling credits disappear. The phone number stops working permanently, and people trying to call you will hear error messages.
Travel SIM expiry does not affect other phone’s functions like taking photos or using apps you already downloaded. But you will need WiFi for the internet until you get a new SIM or find another way to connect.
Several things decide when your travel SIM stops working, and understanding these helps you plan better:
The main factor is the time limit that starts counting when you first turn it on and use the SIM, not when you buy it.
The type of data plan you choose affects when your SIM stops working.
How much data you use plays a big role in many travel SIM plans. Some plans stop working immediately when you use up all your data, even if you have days left. Others slow down your internet speed a lot before completely cutting off service.
How your SIM starts working affects when your time limit begins. Some SIMs turn on automatically when inserted, starting your countdown immediately. Others require manual activation through text or online signup, letting you control when your service period starts.
Not using your SIM regularly can cause it to expire early. Many SIMs need you to make a call, send a text, or use data at least once every 30 to 90 days to stay active. If you don’t use it enough, the service shuts down.
Where you travel also matters. Some travel SIMs only work in certain countries or regions. If you cross into places where your SIM isn’t allowed to work, your service can stop immediately until you return to covered areas.
It is easy to check when your travel SIM card will expire. Here are 2 common ways:
Recognizing the warning signs that your travel SIM is about to expire can save you from sudden connectivity loss during your trip:
eSIMs offer more flexibility when they expire. Physical SIMs need manual replacement and you lose your number right away, while expired eSIM profiles stay saved on your phone, so you can easily switch to backup options. Here is a table comparing between travel eSIM and physical in terms of expiry.
| Aspect | Physical SIM | eSIM |
| Replacement Process | Requires manual removal and insertion of new SIM card | Can switch to backup profiles instantly without physical changes |
| Number Loss | Lose phone number immediately upon expiry | Number becomes inactive but profile remains stored on device |
| Countdown Start | Usually begins when first connected to network | Often starts when profile is downloaded, even before first use |
| Expiry Monitoring | Mainly through USSD dial codes (*100#, *123#) | Better visibility through phone settings, provider apps, and web portals |
| Backup Options | Must carry spare physical SIM cards | Can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them easily |
It is advised to choose SIM plans that last 3-5 days longer than your planned trip.
Specific recommendations:
Your temporary phone number disappears forever when the SIM expires and goes back to the company’s available numbers. Any services using that number for login codes or alerts will stop working immediately.
As a result, messaging apps tied to those phone numbers may need you to verify with new numbers. Therefore, you should not use temporary travel numbers for important accounts or services you will need after your trip. Instead, use the travel number only for local calls and temporary needs during your journey.
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